CBS4 "Reality Check" omitted key aspects of Perlmutter's Iraq plan

Summary: In a "Reality Check" segment on KCNC CBS4, reporter Raj Chohan omitted key aspects of Democratic congressional candidate Ed Perlmutter's position on Iraq, which Chohan described as "essentially cutting our losses and getting out." He failed to note Perlmutter's stated ideas for securing Iraq.

In an October 26 report comparing the positions of 7th Congressional District candidates Ed Perlmutter (D) and Rick O'Donnell (R) on "Iraq policy," KCNC CBS4 reporter Raj Chohan omitted Perlmutter's stated ideas for securing that country and reported only that "Perlmutter supports a timetabled pullout from Iraq" which, according to Chohan, is "essentially cutting our losses and getting out." Chohan then contrasted that with O'Donnell, who "calls for pressing on in this war and trying to win."

On Perlmutter's campaign website, which Chohan offered as a source in the written online version of his report, Perlmutter says that he supports a resolution U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) offered in November 2005. The resolution calls for American troops in Iraq to be "redeployed [out of Iraq] at the earliest practicable date." However, Chohan omitted other provisions of the resolution -- namely, the continued pursuit of "security and stability in Iraq through diplomacy" and the deployment in the region of a "quick-reaction U.S. force and an over-the-horizon presence of U.S Marines." Perlmutter's website further states that "[i]n addition" to the Murtha resolution, Perlmutter supports establishing "an international 'contact group' of nations willing to enage (sic) in the reconstruction and security of Iraq."

Chohan compared the candidates' positions on Iraq as part of a "Reality Check" analysis of a Perlmutter campaign ad. According to CBS4, the "Reality Check" segments "take an in-depth look at the claims made in political ads by candidates and other groups."

From the October 26 edition of KCNC's CBS4 News at 10 p.m.:

VOICEOVER: (in campaign ad): Ed Perlmutter has a different idea.

PERLMUTTER (in campaign ad): In Iraq, we have to hold the president accountable and have real debate in Congress. I'm Ed Perlmutter and I approve this message, because Iraq is a mess and something has got to change.

CHOHAN: The promise of more debate in Congress is more like a guarantee. The real question is, what kind of change in Iraq policy are we talking about? Ed Perlmutter supports a timetabled pullout from Iraq, essentially cutting our losses and getting out. Rick O'Donnell calls for pressing on in this war and trying to win. Both argue their policies are in the interest of national security. Who's right? Well, that's a matter for you to decide. I'm Raj Chohan. That's "Reality Check."

—J.W.